Hope Mills leaders back exploring shuttle, pedestrian upgrades to ease park parking crunch

Parks and recreation staff and members of the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners agreed to explore a shuttle service and pedestrian improvements to ease a recurring parking crunch at Heritage Park and Lake Park.

Parks and recreation director Lamarco Morrison outlined the park's 15-year development and said the site now lacks the parking capacity to support larger events. "Let's build a solution," Morrison said, urging a townwide special-event shuttle connecting town-owned lots, the municipal complex and First Citizens Bank parking to reduce congestion.

The proposal would rely on a small, event-only shuttle system and pedestrian connections such as crosswalk enhancements and traffic-calming measures. Mayor Jesse Belvoir said the town purchased property on Fountain Lane to expand parking and emphasized working with residents rather than creating barriers: "We're gonna figure it out," he said, pressing staff to present options that balance access and safety.

Commissioners raised practical concerns: funding for vehicle acquisition or contracts, volunteer or military CDL-driven options, and the need for crosswalks and mid-block safety improvements where gaps in sidewalks exist. Commissioner Marla Marley asked whether the manager should be authorized to pursue vendors or contracts; the board reached a consensus to let staff research options and return with cost estimates and grant status ahead of the May 19 budget presentation.

Town staff noted an existing funding gap for a crosswalk enhancement grant at Fountain Lane and Trey Street and said any shuttle or service likely would need to be included in the town budget. No formal motion to purchase vehicles or award contracts was taken; staff were directed to report findings to the board for potential inclusion in the budget process.